The Madera High football team gave the public its first look at the Bonning Cunnings version of the Coyotes last week, with a new-look offense and stifling defense the standouts on the day.

At times the Coyotes showed signs of strength, and at others made sloppy mistakes. They’re coming off a 5-7 season under Scott McKinney, who resigned in December to focus on his family.

One of the major highlights Friday was the strong defensive efforts of the Coyotes against many starting offensive players including consistent threat Alec Gamboa and quarterback Nathaniel Nelson, who threw for 2,394 yards and 22 scores last season.

Cunnings, as defensive coordinator last season, said that the play of his defense was encouraging as they held starting offensive players without scores for the first three of eight drives...